Resume Help for Undergraduates: What Counts as Listable Skills?

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SUMMARY

Undergraduate resumes should include all relevant computer skills, such as Microsoft Office, UNIX, MATLAB, and C, regardless of proficiency level. The consensus is that even basic familiarity with a tool like MATLAB qualifies it as a listable skill, as employers may inquire further during interviews. The primary objective is to ensure that resumes are optimized for electronic scanning, which searches for specific keywords provided by employers. Therefore, listing every skill, proficient or not, increases the chances of securing an interview.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of resume formatting and structure
  • Familiarity with common computer skills relevant to undergraduate positions
  • Knowledge of electronic resume scanning processes
  • Basic awareness of job application strategies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective resume writing techniques for undergraduate students
  • Learn about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and how they scan resumes
  • Explore common computer skills sought by employers in entry-level positions
  • Investigate strategies for discussing technical skills in interviews
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students, career advisors, and anyone preparing a resume for entry-level positions in commercial sectors.

Fantasmagoria
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For an undergraduate resume, my school's advising suggests using a category such as computer skills and listing everything you're familiar with - the example is "ms office, unix, matlab, C" etc. My question is, how much do I need to know to of something consider it a listable skill? Example - I used MATLAB in a lab for a summer, but I really did only basic programming, and I forgot all the syntax within a semester since I didn't use it, but I feel like I could learn to do whatever I might need to do with it very fast. so what now? does it count? if it doesn't, then what does?

Thanks ahead of time for clearing up my confusion.
 
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It's my contention that you can put MATLAB as a computer skill...you know how to use it even if you are not an expert. If an employer or anybody like that ever wants to know more details about your experience with it, then it's up to them to ask.
 
Ugh...

I assume this is a resume for commercial jobs rather than grad school? The current situation with 'job' resumes is that they are scanned electronically, looking for specific (employer-provided) search terms. This favors you listing every specific skill you have, proficient or not, the mentality being that your only goal at this stage is to get an interview.
 

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